Octocosonal sounds a lot more exotic than it really is. Although it sounds as if it might come from another planet, it's actually a concentrated nutrient derived from none other than an old-time health food favorite: wheat germ.

Nutrition scientists were on the trail of octacosonol way back in the 1930's, when they discovered that oils extracted from wheat germ had the ability to improve endurance and stamina. Later experiments revealed that the oil also reduced oxygen stress and quickened reaction time.

Researchers first assumed that the active ingredient in wheat germ oil was vitamin E, but comparative studies proved there was something else accounting for increased performance. Further analysis found that, in addition to vitamin E and essential fatty acids, wheat germ oil also contained several long-chain alcohol molecules. The performance-boosting effects of wheat germ oil were stimulated by these substances, one of which was octacosonal.

Later investigations have shown that these alcohols, of which octacosonal is highest in concentration, can have the following effects:

• Lower blood levels of cholesterol
• Improve energy storage in the muscles
• Improve endurance and stamina
• Quicken reflexes
• Improve performances at high altitudes
• Improve oxygen utilization
• Balance metabolism under stress

Two things you should keep in mind when selecting octacosonal supplements:

• First, we recommend octacosonal derived from wheat germ oil only. Octacosonal synthesized from petroleum and other sources has not been tested, whereas the natural wheat germ oil variety has.
• And second, the effects of octacosonal take upwards of three or more weeks to become noticeable.

We offer the following Standard Process® supplements containing octascosonal.